This year, the theme of our Annual Exhibition is EAT - a simple yet profound topic that resonates with us all.

Food is far more than sustenance; it is a source of culture, emotion, and inspiration that has captivated artists for centuries. From lavish banquets to humble meals, the ways we eat, what we eat, and where we eat, reflect our shared humanity and we hope that the range of artworks celebrate the theme of EAT in all of its complexities.

In this tour, you will discover how artists have interpreted the theme of EAT in unique and personal ways, offering a rich variety of perspectives on this universal subject. As you listen to and read about the artworks, immerse yourself in the stories, textures and colours that bring this theme to life.

Sample the Stories:

Shelf Life is part of a series of paintings depicting everyday objects; things which are seen, but perhaps, through over familiarity, are not noticed. 

I have challenged myself to really look closely at these ordinary objects, and discovered that they do have their own visual merit and beauty, worthy of capturing on canvas. I have developed a true affection for them, and a fascination in painting plastics, foil, cardboard and other throw away materials using oil paint as my chosen medium. They can be a challenge to paint at times (try painting cellophane and you will see what I mean) but they bring great satisfaction to me when I have done so successfully. In a small way, this series of paintings also explores my own attitudes to waste, wrapping/packaging and recycling.

Rupert W Brooks, 055 - Shelf Life, Oil on canvas, 46 x 31cm (52 x 37cm framed)

This painting was inspired by blueberries from our family breakfast table one Sunday in early summer.

The colour of the blueberries against the pale green of the bowl was the starting point for the painting – it was visually beautiful and held my attention.   

There are just a few elements in the painting so setting up the composition was a careful and considered process.  I’m always looking for a harmony and sense of balance across the whole, with the aim of establishing a feeling of gentle stillness in the final piece.

Working from direct observation the painting was made in my studio over a number of sessions using small brush strokes and thin layers of oil paint on linen.

Lucy Runge, 276 - Blueberries, Bowl and Spoon, Oil on linen, 20 x 20cm (30 x 30cm framed)

This oil painting was commenced en plein air in 1996, on Lake Pichola, Udaipur, but was completed more recently. It depicts four fellow painters enjoying a leisurely meal before embarking on a painting session. The artist portrayed on the right is Anne McCormack RI.

Trevor Chamberlain FROI RSMA, 071 - Late Breakfast, Udaipur, India, Oil, 21 x 28cm (23 x 40cm framed)

Cooked breakfast served every morning at Dedham Hall, always well cooked and presented. A delight!

I am a plein air and studio painter. I am a painter of today's world with a keen interest in people and their environment, with the effects of light. I am always questioning and exploring, and more interested in what I don't know rather than what I do!

Roger Dellar PS RI ROI RSMA, 101 - Best Meal of the Day, Oil, 30 x 30cm (49 x 49cm framed)